With inflation and national average costs of moving on the rise, budgeting in this expense when selling your home is important. Below are some tips for having a smooth move when selling.
Try to pick an off-peak moving time—of course in a hot market like we are in now, you may need to take what you can get. But traditionally, moving during a slower time of the year between November and February can help keep costs down. And, usually picking a midweek day can help increase your options, and save money.
Less stuff equals less stress. Declutter before packing, because if you box up everything, you are paying for items you may decide to donate or junk when you reach your final destination. Moving is a time to purge, which most people find is a stress reliever.
Research moving company options. Moving companies usually fall into 3 major categories: full-service (including packing, insurance, etc), self-service (you pack the boxes before the movers arrive) and specialized (can cover freight shipping for boats and cars).
Determine your budget before calling moving companies. Moving expenses can add up quickly, so keeping track of your budget is important to pick the right mover. You can request a "not to exceed" moving quote, but remember to add in some extra cash for a tip (moving is a back breaking job).
There is the option to purchase moving insurance, which can provide peace of mind for those antiques and valuables. Moving companies usually offer you two options, or you can look into a third-party policy as well.
Lauren Bunting is a Broker with Keller Williams Realty of Delmarva in Ocean City, Maryland.
